Rashford shines on Barcelona loan with permanent move looming

Marcus Rashford has continued a strong start to life at Barcelona since joining on loan from Manchester United this summer, scoring goals and creating chances in both La Liga and the Champions League and helping the Catalan club to the top of the domestic table. The 27 year old England international has produced goal involvement on a regular basis in his early appearances and supplied a corner assist that levelled Barcelona against Real Sociedad as the side overturned a deficit to win and move above rivals on goal difference.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said the team places heavy emphasis on set pieces and praised the execution that produced Rashford's delivery. "We practice dead ball situations a lot and it is really important to have this strength. We are very happy with how it is going," he said after the match. Rashford’s contributions have made him one of the most commonly involved attackers in the Barcelona squad this season.

The forward’s revival in Spain follows a turbulent exit from Manchester United, where he fell out of favour under manager Ruben Amorim and was sent out on loan after limited opportunities. His move to Barcelona includes an option to buy reported to be...